format_quote Originally Posted by
English
Hi guys, a bit of background info on myself. I am a white English man and was christened in the 80s as a baby into the church of England. I am from a working class background and have always been proud to be English. The older I get the more I am drawn to Islam and the more it seems like the one true religion to me. I am still reading and discovering every day and any guidance that you can offer would be much appreciated.
I like to think that one day I can and will revert but the issue I have is that I don't want to lose my national identify. I don't speak Arabic and I have no connections to the culture of majority Muslim countries. My language and culture is English/ British and I would like to think that I can keep my cultural identity.
My question is , is this possible to be both English (white) and Muslim at the same time with neither being compromised as a result?
Thanks in advance
Greetings,
I can assure you that accepting Islam does not mean foregoing one's national identity and culture. What Islam does bring to our life is a real purpose and structured way of life to live and abide by. Just because the majority of Muslims are in the East then it does not mean that Islam is a religion for brown people. Islam is a religion for the whole of mankind as Allah describes in the Qur'an. In fact more white people in the West particularly women are reverting to Islam than any other religion. Allah purposely created us in different races so that we may recognise each other and each have a unique identity:
Allah says: "O mankind, indeed We have created you from male and female and made you peoples and tribes that you may know one another. Indeed, the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous1 of you. Indeed, Allāh is Knowing and Aware." (Qur'an 49:13)
However, Islam does not believe in borders and nationalism. Culture is absolutely fine in Islam as long as it does not go against the commands of Allah. For example, we are not to celebrate the events of the disbelievers, nor are we are to eat that which is forbidden for us, nor partake in intoxicants and visit those places where intoxicants and other evils are taking place. However, we must continue to maintain ties of kinship and good relations with our non-Muslim immediate family members and especially parents and treat them even better than we did prior to becoming Muslims. This is a command from Allah:
“And We have enjoined on man (to be dutiful and good) to his parents. His mother bore him in weakness and hardship upon weakness and hardship, and his weaning is in two years __ give thanks to Me and to your parents. Unto Me is the final destination. But if they (both) strive with you to make you join in worship with Me others that of which you have no knowledge, then obey them not; but behave with them in the world kindly and follow the path of him who turns to Me in repentance and in obedience.” [Luqmaan 31:14, 15].
There are many famous White revert Muslims with a media platform such as Abdul Raheem Green, Yusuf Estes, Sheikh Abdul Hakeem Murad (Dr Timothy Winter) and many more. So, you do not have anything to worry about in this regard.
In the meantime, feel free to look through our resources to learn more about Islam:
Free E Books and Resources on Islam
Very useful Islamic Information for Reverts
If you need anything else then please do not hesitate to ask us.